It is already back to school time moms, but let's not panic! We got this!! Yep, August has sprinted in, with September gaining upon us just as quickly! Our minds are going into high-speed mode contemplating the challenges, highpoints, and those special occasions that are headed our way! First comes Labor Day, Halloween and then of course the highly anticipated official holiday season!! So, to circumvent the unimaginable, here are some reminders to get us to the end of our list unscathed:
· Don't forget to place a family calendar in a visible area of your home. Kitchens and living spaces are ideal for this.
· Set a bedtime routine one week before school starts.
· Plan weekly dinners (I usually do most of my food prep on Sundays: I cook a few meat choices for the week, whip up a batch of chicken or tuna salad for sandwiches *canned chicken and tuna are very economical compared to the price of lunch meat*
· Pack those lunches the night before!
· Stock up on healthy grab and go snacks! *Fruit, granola bars, carrot chips, or take a moment to slice some cucumber *full of antioxidants and promote hydration*.
· Prep your mommy wardrobe and kids’ wardrobe for the entire week.
· Delegate tasks to kids and their siblings by making a detailed chore list *keeping your home tidy creates a feeling of control and serenity*
· Most importantly, stick to a bedtime routine for yourself so you can unwind from a hectic day: Hot shower/bath, cup of herbal tea, reading, coloring, knitting etc.
· Most importantly, set three alarms so you can hit that snooze button, but still will not be late!
· Most importantly, give yourself an extra 15-20 minutes each morning for any unexpected delays *this will reduce stress*
Once you get to work (work from home and home makers as well) Settle in, head to the restroom and take 5-10 deep breaths- Inhale and Exhale. Give yourself a daily mantra “ I will make each day count”… “I feel blessed that I have another day”…“My job is paying for my lifestyle, though challenging it sustains my family”… “Smile you are beautiful inside and out.”
· Most importantly, at the end of the week give out small awards for getting through the week successfully: Give out gold stars to the kids, Take the kids for ice cream (frozen yogurt for us health kickers! LOL), pizza party (Turkey wraps for us health kickers! LOL), or a simple celebration dance with the kids can elevate spirits and build momentum for the following week that we will have to tackle!
Yep, that’s the reminder list moms. Some items are reminders and some may be new, regardless we are ready to overcome that overwhelmed feeling! We will do this by being armed with a plan that we understand (Nice that rhymes! LOL)!
Aniyah
Remember we can conquer the world inch by inch!!
“May I grow wiser season by season.”
